Laminated ball bat with engineered sweet spot zone and method of making same

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to laminated ball bats and a methodology for making the same. The disclosed technology provides for a bat that is designed with a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat&#39;s weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a bat may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such bat&#39;s length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat&#39;s CM at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat&#39;s sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present technology relates to a laminated ball bat and amethodology for making the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The confrontation between batter and pitcher has been theinspiration for numerous epic tales in baseball lore. Notably, in suchconfrontations, the pitcher usually wins. However, in professionalbaseball, a batter with a success rate of one hit out of every threetimes at bat (0.333 batting average) will likely be inducted into theBaseball Hall of Fame.

[0003] A batter's task is basically one of timing and the pitcher's taskis to disrupt such timing. A quick review of exemplary timing that isassociated with hitting a baseball provides insight to the challengesthat batters face in this classic confrontation. First, a 90 mphfastball travels 60.5 feet (the distance between the pitcher and batter)in 0.46 seconds. Second, a swing requires on average 0.15 seconds, whichgives the batter about 0.3 seconds to observe the pitch, process theobserved information, and decide if and how to swing the bat. Third, ifthe pitcher has thrown a “breaking ball,” about one-half of the breakoccurs in the last 0.1 seconds.

[0004] To disrupt a batter's timing, a pitcher may vary several pitchedball parameters. The pitcher my throw a curve ball, a knuckle ball, aslider, a screw ball or a fast ball. The pitcher may combine suchvariety of pitched ball types with throwing a high ball, a low ball, aninside ball or an outside ball. In response to such diversity ofpossible pitched ball types, a batter must leverage every possibleadvantage in attempting to hit a baseball.

[0005] In the above described confrontation, the batter's main tool is,of course, the bat. To enhance a batter's chances of hitting a baseballin light of the above described variety of pitching tactics, a battermay wish to have access to a variety of bat designs. One tactic a battermay employ is to use bats having different weight distributions. Forexample, a batter may wish to use a bat having a particular weightdistribution when bunting and a bat having a different weightdistribution when attempting to hit a home run. Restated, a batter maywish have access to bats having a variety of weight distributions sothat the batter can use a bat having a particular weight distributionthat will most likely transfer maximum energy from the bat to the ballbased on the batter's anticipated swing and the ball's anticipatedtrajectory. In addition, the batter may wish to have access to such avariety of bat weight distributions while maintaining a desired batshape and a desired overall bat weight.

[0006] Baseball bats have a well known conventional bat shape consistingof a handle end and a barrel end wherein the barrel end has a largerdiameter than the handle end. Traditional solid wood bats have been inuse for years and offer little opportunity for varying the weightdistribution of the bat without varying the bat shape.

[0007] Another type of bat is a laminated bat. As used in this patent,the term “lamination” simply refers to layers of material stacked on topof one another with adjacent layers bonded together with a bonding agentto create an object larger than each of the separate individual layers.Examples of laminated bat designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,793,859 issued to Darling et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,669 issued toSmart and U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,179 issued to MacKay, Jr., and suchdisclosures are incorporated herein by these references for allpurposes.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is a principal object of the present invention to providesolid laminated bats having the well-known handle/barrel shape, but witha variety of pre-selected weight distributions. It is another principalobject of the present invention to provide such bats having a variety ofweight distributions while maintaining a particular shape and aparticular overall weight for the bat. The disclosed technology providesfor a bat that is designed with a generic bat shape (such as a batconsisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smallerdiameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changingthe bat's weight distribution.

[0009] It also is a principal object of the present invention to providea method of making a bat that will enable a bat's weight distribution tobe varied so as to optimize the energy transfer to the ball based on theway the batter anticipates that the bat will be swung and the way thebatter anticipates that the pitcher will throw the pitch.

[0010] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beobvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0011] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the presenttechnology, a laminated ball bat has an elongated body and an outersurface that is defined by the exterior outline of the bat. Suchelongated body includes a handle on one end and a barrel on the oppositeend. In between the barrel and the handle may be a label section thatconnects the handle to the barrel. The bat is preferably composed of aplurality of bat portions, each bat portion being composed of aplurality of thin strips. For this presently preferred embodiment, thebat is preferably composed of at least two distinct portions. The firstbat portion is preferably composed of a first plurality of thin strips.Each thin strip defines a pair of opposed faces wherein each facedefines a substantially flat plane with each plane preferably beingsubstantially parallel to the other. Each thin strip further defines aperipheral edge connecting the opposed faces and defining a firstsection of the exterior outline of the bat. In addition, at least oneface of one of such thin strips is bonded to a face of an adjacentlydisposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of said pair ofadjacently disposed and bonded thin strips form a section of theuninterrupted exterior outline of the bat. Such first plurality ofbonded together thin strips defines a first portion of the bat.

[0012] The second bat portion is preferably composed of a secondplurality of thin strips. Each thin strip defines a pair of opposedfaces wherein each face defines a substantially flat plane with eachplane preferably being substantially parallel to the other. Each thinstrip further defines a peripheral edge connecting the opposed faces anddefining a section of the exterior outline of the bat. In addition, atleast one face of one of such thin strip is bonded to a face of anadjacently disposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of saidpair of adjacently disposed and bonded thin strips form a section of theuninterrupted exterior outline of the bat. Such second plurality ofbonded together thin strips defines a second portion of the bat.

[0013] A face of one of the thin strips of the first portion of the batmay be bonded to a face of one of the thin strips of the second portionof the bat so as to join the first portion to the second portion. In analternative embodiment, the first portion of the bat may be bonded to aface of a bat portion other than the second portion of the bat.Preferably, the density of the first portion of the bat is substantiallyuniform, and the density of the second portion of the bat issubstantially uniform. Moreover, the density of the first portion of thebat preferably differs from the density of the second portion of thebat. Additionally, while the volumes occupied by the first and secondportions can be equal in some embodiments of the bat, the volumesoccupied by the first and second portions also can be different in someembodiments of the bat.

[0014] The thin strips in each of the first and second plurality of thinstrips have a preferred thickness (defined as the shortest distancebetween the opposed faces of each thin strip) between about 0.00787inches to about 0.375 inches. The above-described faces may be bondedtogether by a bonding agent such as an urea resin formulated with apowdered catalyst. Another suitable bonding agent includes a type 1waterproof glue formulated with a powdered catalyst. A sealant and/or acatalyzed lacquer protectant may be applied over the outer surface ofthe bat to seal and protect the bat. The thin strips may be composed ofcellulosic materials such as maple, mahogany, ash, cherry, poplar, gum,tupelo and pine. The thin strips may also be composed of fibrereinforced composites, such as carbon and Kevlar (trade name) veneer.Examples of such technologies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,589issued to Sewell and such disclosure is incorporated herein by referencefor all purposes.

[0015] Additional embodiments of the present subject matter concernmethodology for making a laminated ball bat. In one exemplary embodimentof such methodology, a first step is to provide a first laminated blockcomposed of a plurality of successively adjacent thin strips whereinadjacent thin strips are bonded together by a bonding agent. A secondstep is to provide a second laminated block. The volume and density ofthe first block by be different from the volume and density of thesecond block. The second laminated block is also composed of a pluralityof successively adjacent thin strips wherein adjacent thin strips arebonded together by a bonding agent.

[0016] In the next step, the first laminated block is bonded to thesecond laminated block to form a laminated blank. Such laminated blankis put into a hydraulic press, and about 100-psi to about 250-psi ofpressure is applied to the laminated blank. The laminated blank is keptunder pressure until the bonding agent has sufficiently cured, therebyforming a cured laminated blank. The time required for the curingprocess may be about 2 days. However, the time required for the curingprocess may be shortened by using radio frequency energy to heat thelaminated blank during the curing process. The cured laminated blank isthen machined to form an elongated body disposed about a longitudinallyextending axis. The machining of this body produces an outer surfacedefined by the exterior outline of a bat. The body includes a handle onone end and a barrel on the opposite end. The body may include a labelsection connected between the handle and the barrel.

[0017] Additional embodiments of the subject technology, not necessarilyexpressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporatevarious combinations of aspects of features, parts, or steps referencedin the summarized objectives above, and/or other features, parts, orsteps as otherwise discussed in this application. Thus, the scope of thepresently disclosed technology should in no way be limited to anyparticular embodiment.

[0018] Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate thefeatures and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of theremainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate at least onepresently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as somealternative embodiments. These drawings together with the description,serve to explain the principles of the invention but by no means areintended to be exhaustive of all of the possible manifestations of theinvention.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an exemplary laminated bat inaccordance with the present subject matter;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a disassembled cross-sectional view of two portions ofbat segment (34), from perspective (36) as shown in FIG. 1, showing theindividual thin strips that compose two portions (40), (42) of exemplarybat segment (34);

[0022]FIG. 3 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the bat portions(40), (42) of bat segment (34) shown in FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the assembly of major components ofan exemplary laminated bat in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent subject matter;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view showing three of theindividual thin strips making up a bat portion (82) shown in FIG. 4;

[0025]FIG. 6a is a disassembled perspective view showing threeindividual laminated blocks (81), (83), (85);

[0026]FIG. 6b is a disassembled perspective view schematically showingthe successively adjacent thin strips making up the three individuallaminated blocks in FIG. 6a;

[0027]FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of a laminated blankcomposed of the three individual laminated blocks (81), (83), (85) shownin FIG. 6a;

[0028]FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of a cured laminatedblank;

[0029]FIGS. 9a and 9 b are cross-sectional views that schematicallyrepresent one end of the cured laminated blank shown in FIG. 8;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a laminated blank comprised ofmultiple laminated blocks;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a side plan view of two exemplary laminated batsdepicting two different weight distributions for such bats;

[0032]FIG. 12a is an assembled perspective view of a laminated blankcomposed of the three individual laminated blocks (150), (152), (153)with laminated block portions (150) and (152) disposed apart from eachother; and

[0033]FIG. 12b is an assembled perspective view of the laminated blankshown in FIG. 12a.

[0034] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specificationand drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features orelements of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The present technology relates to a laminated bat and amethodology for making the same. A bat designed according to the presentinvention takes full advantage of lamination technology by using aplurality of materials, such as veneer made from various compositematerials and/or wood types having varying densities (and correspondingweights) to provide the bat designer with more choices concerning therelationship between the shape of the bat, the length of the bat, theweight of the bat, and the weight distribution of the bat. Suchtechnology allows for a variety of improved bat designs by affording thebat designer more control over the location of the bat's center of mass(defined later) and thus over the desired weight distribution. Moreover,the present technology provides the ability to vary the bat's weightdistribution without affecting the shape of the bat or the overallweight of the bat. The present technology allows the location of wood ofgreater density in the portions of the bat that are anticipated tocontact the ball during the batter's intended swing at desired pitchesto hit. Such technology allows for a bat design that is better tailoredto the batter's specifications.

[0036] It should be noted that while the exemplary embodiments aredirected to a baseball bat design, the same technology may be used toconstruct other types of bats. In addition, the exemplary embodimentspresented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of thepresent subject matter. Features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodimentto yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may beinterchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentionedwhich perform the same or similar function. Reference will now be madein detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the subjecttechnology. The same numerals are assigned to the same componentsthroughout the drawings and description.

[0037]FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a bat having a generallyoptimized shape and generally designated by the numeral (10). Exemplarybat (10) has an elongated body (12) disposed symmetrically about alongitudinally extending central axis (14). Bat (10) has an outersurface (15) that is defined by the exterior outline of the bat. Suchelongated body (12) preferably includes a handle (16) on one end and abarrel (18) on the opposite end. The handle (16) is where the batterwould grasp the bat (10) with his/her hands and typically terminates ina knob (21) at the free end (24) of the handle (16). The knob (21) has alarger diameter than the maximum diameter (30) of the handle (16). Inbetween the handle (16) and the barrel (18) may be a label section (20)that connects the handle (16) to the barrel (18). The bat's length isthe distance between the free end (22) of the barrel (18) and the freeend (24) of the handle (16). The bat has a geometric center plane (26)located midway between barrel end (22) and handle end (24) andperpendicular to the central axis (14). The bat's barrel (18) has amaximum diameter (28) that is larger than the maximum diameter (30) ofthe handle (16).

[0038] The “center of mass” (CM) of a body is generally defined as thatpoint of such body which moves as though the body's total mass existedat the point if one assumes that all external forces were applied atthat point. By definition, a balanced bat's CM is located at the bat'sgeometric center (the middle point between the two ends of such bat). Asshown in FIG. 1, for example, if bat (10) were 30 inches long, bat (10)would have a geometric center that is the center point of the centerplane (26) located 15 inches from either end of the bat. If the CM ofsuch a bat is also located 15 inches from either end of the bat, such abat is said to be balanced. The bat desirably has a center of mass (32)that is located between the geometric center plane (26) and the barrelend (22) for this present embodiment of bat (10).

[0039] For one exemplary embodiment, a barrel segment (34) defines asolid volume that is preferably composed of two distinct portions.Referring now to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2, a firstbarrel portion (40) and a second barrel portion (42) of barrel segment(34) are shown from the perspective that is designated in FIG. 1 byarrows labeled by the numeral (36). First barrel portion (40) ispreferably composed of a first plurality of thin strips (44 a, 44 b, 44c, 44 d) wherein each thin strip (44 a-44 d) is composed of a firstmaterial. Such first material is preferably composed of cellulosicmaterial such as wood veneer and may be oak, maple, mahogany, ash,cherry, poplar, gum, tupelo, pine or any other type of suitable woodveneer. Veneer is a particular type of thin wood strip typically rangingin thickness from about 0.20 millimeters (app. {fraction (1/127)}″) toabout 9.525 millimeters (app. {fraction (3/8)}″). Such first materialmay also be composed of a fibre reinforced composite material, such ascarbon or Kevlar (trade name) composite with one or more of theaforementioned wood veneers.

[0040] As schematically shown in FIG. 2, each thin strip (44 a-44 d) ofthe first plurality of thin strips has a presently preferred thickness(48) between about 0.00787 inches to about 0.375 inches. Notably, thethickness of each of the thin strips (44 a-44 d) is not required to beequal to the thickness of any of the others. However, in a presentlypreferred embodiment, all of the thicknesses are substantially the sameand are 03.75 inches.

[0041] Each thin strip (44 a, 44 b, 44 c, 44 d) defines a pair ofopposed faces wherein each face defines a substantially flat plane (notshown in FIG. 2) with each plane preferably being substantially parallelto the other. As shown in FIG. 2 for example, thin strip (44 a) definesopposed faces (46 a) and (46 b). Face (46 a) defines a substantiallyflat plane that is parallel to the substantially flat plane that definesopposed face (46 b).

[0042] Each thin strip (44 a-44 d) further defines a peripheral edgeconnecting the opposed faces and defining a first section of theexterior outline of the barrel. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, thinstrip (44 a) defines a peripheral edge (50 a), which forms a firstsection of the outer surface (15) (FIG. 1) of the bat (10). Similarly,thin strip (44 b) defines a peripheral edge (50 b), which forms anothersection of the outer surface (15) (FIG. 1) of the bat (10). In addition,at least one face of one of such thin strips is bonded to a face of anadjacently disposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of saidpair of adjacently disposed and bonded thin strips (and the layer ofbonding agent disposed therebetween) form a larger section of theuninterrupted exterior outline of the barrel. As shown in FIG. 3, thinstrip face (46 b) of thin strip (44 a) [shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3] isbonded to a thin strip face (54) of thin strip (44 b). In so doing, therespective edges (50 a and 50 b) form a section (70) of theuninterrupted exterior outline (15) [as shown in FIG. 1] of the barrel(18).

[0043] Such thin strips may be bonded together, for example, using abonding agent. One suitable bonding agent includes an urea resinformulated with a powdered catalyst. Another suitable bonding agentincludes a type 1 waterproof glue formulated with a powdered catalyst.Such first plurality of bonded together thin strips defines a firstportion, barrel portion (40), of the barrel segment (34).

[0044] Similarly, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, a second barrelportion (42) is preferably composed of a second plurality of thin strips(56 a-56 d). Each thin strip (56 a-56 d) may be composed of a secondmaterial. Such second material is preferably a celleousic material suchas wood veneer and may be composed of maple, mahogany, ash, cherry,poplar, gum, tupelo, pine or any other type of suitable wood veneer.Such second material may also be composed of a fibre reinforcedcomposite material, such as carbon or Kevlar (trade name) composite withone or more of the aforementioned wood veneers. In addition, each thinstrip (56 a-56 d) has a preferred thickness (49) between about 0.00787inches to about 0.375 inches. Notably, the thickness of each of the thinstrips (56 a-56 d) is not required to be equal to the thickness of anyof the others. However, in a presently preferred embodiment, all of thethicknesses are substantially the same and measure 0.0625 ({fraction(1/16)}^(th)) of an inch.

[0045] Each thin strip (56 a-56 d) defines a pair of opposed faceswherein each face defines a substantially flat plane (not shown in FIG.3) with each plane preferably being substantially parallel to the other.See FIG. 5 for example. As shown in FIG. 2 for example, thin strip (56a) defines opposed faces (58 a) and (58 b). Face (58 a) defines asubstantially flat plane that is parallel to the substantially flatplane that defines opposed face (58 b).

[0046] Each thin strip (56 a-56 d) further defines a peripheral edgeconnecting the opposed faces and defining a second section of theexterior outline of the barrel. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, thinstrip (56 a) defines a peripheral edge (60 a), which forms a firstsection of the outer surface (15) (FIG. 1) of the bat (10). Similarly,thin strip (56 b) defines a peripheral edge (60 b), which forms anothersection of the outer surface (15) (FIG. 1) of the bat (10). In addition,at least one face of one of such thin strips is bonded to a face of anadjacently disposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of saidpair of adjacently disposed and bonded thin strips (and the layer ofbonding agent disposed therebetween) form a section of the uninterruptedexterior outline of the barrel (18). For example, as shown in FIG. 3,thin strip face (58 a) of thin strip (56 a) is bonded to thin strip face(64) of thin strip (56 b). In so doing, the respective edges (60 a) and(60 b) form a section (72) of the uninterrupted exterior outline (15) ofthe barrel (18).

[0047] Such thin strips may be bonded together, for example, using abonding agent. One suitable bonding agent includes an urea resinformulated with a powdered catalyst. Another suitable bonding agentincludes a type 1 waterproof glue formulated with a powdered catalyst.Such second plurality of bonded together thin strips defines a secondportion, barrel portion (42), of the barrel segment (34).

[0048] A sealant and/or a catalyzed lacquer protectant my be applied ina continuous coating over the outer surface of above described bat (10)to seal and protect the bat from the intrusion of moisture that couldchange the density of the different portions (40), (42) for example.

[0049] Notably, for a presently preferred embodiment described above,each of the first and second barrel portions (40, 42) is the same sizeand adjacent to each other. It will be appreciated, however, that suchbarrel portions (40, 42) may run the length of the barrel or only partof the length of the barrel. In addition, such portions (40, 42) may bedifferent in length and width and height, and such barrel portions (40,42) may or may not be adjacent to each other. Additionally, suchtechnology may be used to construct only non-barrel portions of bat(10), such as the handle section or the label section. And in someembodiments, each portion can be disposed in a different section(handle, label and barrel) than the other portion. In yet otherembodiments, at least one portion can extend into two of the bat'ssections (handle, label, barrel) while another portion can extend intothe same two of the different sections or only one other section, eitherwholly or partially.

[0050] Similarly, for the presently preferred embodiment describedabove, the first barrel portion (40) is composed of successive layers ofthin strips that are composed of one type of cellulosic material. Itwill be appreciated that such successive layers of thin strips may becomposed of a plurality of cellulosic materials having varying densitieswithout departing from the scope of this invention. The same is true forthe successive layers of thin strips comprising barrel section (42).

[0051] Another presently preferred embodiment of a bat (11) inaccordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 4, the laminated bat (11) is composed of three bat portions (80),(82) and (84). For the presently preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4,each of bat portions (80), (82) and (84) is composed of a plurality ofthin strips.

[0052]FIG. 5 depicts a disassembled view of exemplary portion (82)comprising thin strips (90), (92) and (94). Each of thin strips (90),(92) and (94) of the first plurality of thin strips has a preferredthickness (104) between about 0.00787 inches to about 0.375 inches. Inaddition, each of thin wood strips (90), (92) and (94) is preferablycomposed of a celleousic material such as wood veneer made from maple,mahogany, ash, cherry, poplar, gum, tupelo, pine or any other type ofsuitable wood veneer. However, other materials such as composites ofcarbon and/or Kevlar and one or more of the aforementioned wood veneersmay be used.

[0053] As shown schematically in FIG. 5 for example, each thin strip(90, 92, 94) defines a pair of opposed faces wherein each face defines asubstantially flat plane. For example, thin strip (92) defines a pair ofopposed faces (96 a) and (96 b) wherein opposed face (96 a) defines asubstantially flat plane (98) and opposed face (96 b) definessubstantially flat plane (102). Substantially flat planes (98) and (102)are connected by peripheral edge (100). Opposed face (96 a) of thinstrip (92) is preferably bonded to opposed face (101) of thin strip(94). Similarly, bat (11) portions (80) and (84) are constructed asdescribed for bat portion (82). However, the outermost thin strip foreach of second portion (80) and third portion (84) will be contoured onone face rather than formed as a flat plane.

[0054] As previously noted, for the presently preferred embodiment eachof bat portions (80), (82) and (84) is composed of a plurality of thinstrips with such thin strips being composed of a celleousic material. Itwill be appreciated that such successive layers of thin strips may becomposed of a plurality of cellulosic materials having varying densitieswithout departing from the scope of this invention. For example,referring to FIG. 5, thin strip (90) may be composed of cellulosicmaterial CM1 having a density of X while thin strip (92) may be composedof celulosic material CM2 having a density of Y, where Y is not equal toX.

[0055] It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiment shownin FIG. 4 includes three bat portions, the disclosed technology may beused with only two bat portions or with three or more bat portionswithout departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0056] One exemplary method for making a laminated ball bat according tothe present technology is now considered. In this presently preferredmethod, one or more laminated blocks are formed. For example, threelaminated blocks (81), (83) and (85) are provided in the illustrativeembodiment that is shown in FIG. 6a. As shown in FIG. 6b, each of suchlaminated blocks (81), (83), (85) may be comprised respectively of aplurality of successively adjacent thin strips (81 a-81 d), (83 a-83 d)and (85 a-85 d). Successively adjacent thin strips (81 a-81 d), (83 a-83d) and (85 a-85 d) have a preferred thickness of between about 0.00787inches to about 0.375 inches and are bonded together by a bonding agent.

[0057] Preferably, in each block (81), the successively adjacent thinstrips (81 a-81 d) are composed of the same type of cellulosic materialCM1. Similarly, in block (83), successively adjacent thin strips (83a-83 d) are all composed of the same type of cellulosic material CM2. Inblock (85), successively adjacent thin strips (85 a-85 d) are allcomposed of the same type of cellulosic material CM3. However, for thepresently preferred method, the density (and corresponding weight) of atleast one type of cellulosic material CM1, CM2 or CM3 is different fromthe other two.

[0058] Notably, while in the preferred method successively adjacent thinstrips (81 a-81 d) are all composed of the same type of cellulosicmaterial, CM1, it will be appreciated that different ones of suchsuccessively adjacent thin strips may be composed of any of a pluralityof cellulosic materials without departing from the scope of thisinvention. The same is true for successively adjacent thin strips (83a-83 d) and (85 a-85 d) in each of the other blocks (83), (85).

[0059] In accordance with the method, each laminated block is bonded toat least one of the other laminated blocks to form a laminated blank.Referring again to FIG. 6a, substantially flat plane (86) of laminatedblock (81) is bonded to substantially flat plane (87) of laminated block(83). Similarly, substantially flat plane (88) of laminated block (83)is bonded to substantially flat plane (89) of laminated block (85).

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, laminated blank (110) is comprised oflaminated blocks (81), (83) and (85). Laminated blank (110) is shownwithout depicting successively adjacent thin strips in FIG. 7. In thispresently preferred method, laminated blank (110) is placed into ahydraulic press, which maintains the laminated blank (110) underpressure in a range between about 100 psi to about 250 psi untillaminated blank (110) has cured. Typically, the pressure in this rangeis maintained on laminated blank (110) for about 2 days, although thelaminated blank (110) may be kept under pressure for longer or shorterperiods of times without departing from the scope of this method.

[0061] The dimensions of the laminated blank are chosen so that theyexceed the dimensions of the desired laminated bat. Referring now toFIG. 8, an exemplarily laminated blank (110) is depicted. Laminatedblank (110) preferably has a length (114) that is slightly longer thanthe distance between barrel end (22) and handle end (24) of exemplarybat (10) shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, laminated blank (110) has a width(112) and a height (116) that is slightly longer than barrel diameter(28) of bat (10) shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, laminated blank (110)may have a width (112) much wider than barrel diameter (28). Forexample, laminated blank (110) may have a width (112) that is about 10.5times wider than the final desired barrel diameter (28). For such anexample, after the curing process (described next), 10 cured laminatedblanks having a width slightly wider than the final desired barreldiameter (28) could be obtained.

[0062] To accelerate the curing process, laminated blank (110) may beheated using radio frequency (RF) energy during the step of applyingpressure to the laminated blank (110). For the presently preferredmethod, electromagnetic waves (radio frequency waves) vibrate moleculeswithin the laminated blank (110) where such vibration causes friction,which in turn causes heat. The bonding agent responds by changing itsmolecular form, adhering to the wood and creating a bond. The term “cooktime” is used to refer to the moments in time when radio waves areheating the bonding agent and laminated blank. Depending on the moisturelevel of the cellulosic material making up laminated blank (110), powerlevels of about 10 kilowatts to about 50 kilowatts are required togenerate the required electromagnetic field strength. For example, for adesired cook time of about 25 minutes, a power level of about 20kilowatts is used heat a laminated blank (of sufficient volume to allowmachining such laminated blank into one typical size baseball bat)composed of wood veneer strips having a moisture content of about 4 to6% by weight. Other RF energy curing methods may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0063] To minimize warping, laminated blank (110) may be kept underpressure while the laminated blank (110) cools. After laminated blank(110) has sufficiently cooled, laminated blank (110) may then be removedfrom the hydraulic press and allowed to cure an additional period oftime (about 24 hours) before the machining process begins.

[0064] As noted above, for the presently preferred embodiment, thedimensions of the laminated blank are chosen so that they exceed thedimensions of the desired laminated bat. Referring now to FIG. 8, anexemplarily cured laminated blank (110) is depicted. Cured laminatedblank (110) preferably has a length (114) that is slightly longer thanthe distance between barrel end (22) and handle end (24) of exemplarybat (10) shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, cured laminated blank (110) has awidth (112) and a height (116) that is slightly longer than barreldiameter (28) of bat (10) shown in FIG. 1.

[0065]FIGS. 9a and 9 b show an end view (118) of cured laminated blank(110). In FIG. 9a, laminated blocks (81), (83) and (85) are shownwithout showing successively adjacent thin strips (81 a-81 d), (83 a-83d) and (85 a-85 d). Successively adjacent thin strips (81 a-81 d), (83a-83 d) and (85 a-85 d) are shown in FIG. 9b. In FIGS. 9a and 9 b,circle (120) schematically represents the final desired diameter (28)(FIG. 8) of barrel (18) for exemplary bat (10) shown in FIG. 1. By wayof example, as shown in FIG. 9a, the region of cured laminated blank(110) within circle (120) become bat portions (80), (82) and (84), atbarrel end (22) of exemplary bat (11) shown in FIG. 4, after themachining process (described next) has been completed.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 12a, an alternative laminated blankconfiguration is depicted. Laminated blank (140) is comprised oflaminated blocks (150), (152) and (153). Laminated blank (140) is shownin FIG. 12a without depicting successively adjacent thin strips. Suchexemplarily laminated blank (140) preferably has a length (144) that isslightly longer than the distance between barrel end (22) and handle end(24) of exemplary bat (10) shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, laminated blank(140) has a width (146) and a height (142) that is slightly longer thanbarrel diameter (28) of bat (10) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12b showslaminated blank (140) and the successively adjacent thin stripscomprising such laminated blank. Laminated blank (140) differs fromlaminated blank (110) in that bat sections (150) and (152) of laminatedblank (140) are disposed apart from each other.

[0067] The next step in the presently preferred method is to machinecured laminated blank (110). Cured laminated blank (110) is machined toform an elongated body disposed about a longitudinally extending axisrepresenting the approximate final desired bat shape defined by theexterior outline of a bat. The body includes a handle on one end and abarrel on the opposite end. The body includes a label section connectedbetween the handle and the barrel. The machining is desirably performedby a lathe.

[0068] After machining laminated blank (110) to form a laminated bat,the machined laminated bat is sanded to its final shape. During such asanding step the bat's shape and weight distribution may be fined tunedwhere necessary. After sanding the machined laminated bat, the exteriorof such sanded and machined laminated bat may be sealed by applying atypical wood sealer. Such a sealed laminated bat may then be lightlysanded to remove rough areas. After lightly sanding the sealed laminatedbat, a coat of catalyzed lacquer may be sprayed on the exterior surfaceof the bat to give such bat a finished luster and to harden the finishto help prevent scuff marks and chips.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary laminated blank (130) isdepicted from a side plan view. The dashed line (131) in FIG. 10indicates the final shape of the bat. As shown in FIG. 10, laminatedblank (130) is comprised of nine laminated blocks (138-154). As will bedescribed below, having a laminated blank comprised of multiplelaminated blocks enhances the ability to engineer the location of abat's center of mass. It will be appreciated that with this exemplaryembodiment, in addition to the faces of adjacent portions of eachlaminated block being bonded together, the ends of adjacent portions oflaminated blocks are bonded together. For example, laminated block (146)includes laminated block end (146 a) and (146 b) and laminated block(148) includes laminated block end (148 a) and (148 b). Laminated blockend (146 b) is bonded to laminated block end (148 a) and laminated blockend (148 b) is bonded to laminated block end (150 a).

Varying Bat Weight Distribution

[0070] The flexibility of bat design using the above disclosedtechnology is now examined. The distance a hit ball travels depends onthe hit ball speed, hit ball direction, hit ball rotation and themagnitude of the resistance to movement such hit ball experiences. For agiven resistance (typically air resistance), the distance a baseballtravels depends on three factors: (1) hit ball speed, (2) amount of spinand direction of spin on a hit ball, and (3) the angle a hit ball leavesthe bat. Of these three factors, the bat design can affect (1) the hitball speed and (2) the amount and direction of spin placed on a hitball.

[0071] The speed of a hit baseball may be generally modeled using thefollowing formula: $\begin{matrix}{V_{HitBall} = {{\left\lbrack \frac{e - r}{1 + r} \right\rbrack V_{PinchedBall}} + {\left\lbrack \frac{1 + e}{1 + r} \right\rbrack V_{Bat}}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack\end{matrix}$

[0072] where

[0073] V_(HitBall)=Hit Ball Speed,

[0074] r=recoil value,

[0075] e=Coefficient of Restitution (COR)

[0076] V_(PitchedBall)=Pitched Ball Speed, and

[0077] V_(BAT)=Bat Swing Speed.

[0078] For r=0.25 and e=0.5, equation [1] reduces to:

V _(HitBall)=(0.2×V _(PitchedBall))+(1.2×V _(Bat)).  [2]

[0079] The coefficient of Restitution (COR) is the ratio of the relativebat-ball speed after the bat/ball collision compared to the relativebat-ball speed before the bat/ball collision. Equations [1] and [2]provide at least the following insights into the parameters that affecthit ball speed: (1) bat speed is far more important than the pitchedball speed, and (2) as bat recoil (r) increases, hit ball speeddecreases.

[0080] It is axiomatic that a given batter can swing a lighter batfaster than a heavier bat. Thus, it may seem logical for batters to usethe lightest bat possible (that could survive the bat/ball collision)when the goal is to achieve the greatest hit ball speed. However, asnoted above, bat recoil (r) must also be considered. Restated, theinertial properties of a bat must be considered (i.e. a bat's weight(mass) and weight distribution) in a comprehensive evaluation of theparameters that affect the speed of a hit baseball.

[0081] The bat recoil value depends on inertial properties of the batand the ball. As can be seen from equation [1] above, as a bat's recoilvalue (r) increases, the hit ball speed decreases. Bat recoil may bemodeled using the following equation:

r=m/M _(eff)  [3]

[0082] where:

[0083] m=mass of the ball;

[0084] M_(eff)=effective mass of the bat;

[0085] Equation [3] may be rewritten as follows:

1/M _(eff) =r/m  [4]

[0086] The inverse of the effective bat mass (1/M_(eff)), allowing forconservation of angular momentum and linear momentum about the bat's CM,can also be modeled using the following equation:

1/M _(eff)=[1/M]+[(z)² /I _(c.m.)]  [5]

[0087] where:

[0088] M_(eff)=effective mass of the bat;

[0089] M=actual mass of the bat;

[0090] z=the distance from the bat's CM to the bat/ball contact point;

[0091] I_(c.m)=bat's moment of inertia about the bat's CM.

[0092] Substituting equation [4] into equation [5] yields the followingequation:

r=[m/M]+[m(z)² /I _(c.m.)]  [6]

[0093] From equation [5] and equation [6], it should be apparent thatboth the bat recoil value, r, and the effective mass of the bat(M_(eff)) will depend on the weight distribution of a bat and thelocation where the ball strikes such bat.

[0094] It will be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 1, the CM of anybat is necessarily located at some distance from the barrel end (22) ofa bat (10). In addition, for any pivoted bat (a bat being swung), batspeed is greatest at the barrel end (22) of the bat. Thus, a bat's CM isnecessarily located at a point along a bat where bat speed is notmaximized. Consequently, when selecting a bat/ball contact point thatmaximizes hit ball speed, there is a tradeoff between minimizing batrecoil (r), and maximizing bat speed. Restated, for a pivoted bat, aball/bat contact point that minimizes bat recoil also results in abat/ball contact point at a location of less than maximum bat speed.Similarly, a ball/bat contact point at a location of maximum bat speed(barrel end (22) of bat) also maximizes bat recoil (r).

[0095] From the above example, those of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that the bat/ball contact point that maximizes hit ball speedis between the bat's CM and the barrel end (22) of the bat. Such a pointalong a bat where maximum hit ball speed is achieved is referred to asthe center of the bat's “sweet spot zone.” The sweet spot zone isgenerally defined as the area on a racket, club, bat, or paddle wherehits are most effective. For a bat, the sweet spot zone is a region onthe surface of a bat that is moving with a given momentum and mosteffectively transfers such momentum to a hit ball. More particularly,the sweet spot zone includes a point of contact (for a ball having agiven trajectory and momentum) on the bat's surface that is moving witha moment of inertia and maximizes energy transfer from bat to ball.

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 11, exemplary bats (124 a) and (124 b) areshown where bat (124 a) and (124 b) both weigh 28 ounces but havedifferent weight distributions. Using a 32 inch overall bat length, bats(124 a) and (124 b) have a geometric center (GC) located 16.0 inches(32″ divided by 2) from the barrel end (22) of the bat. For exemplarybat (124 a), the CM (125 a) coincides with the geometric center of thebat (i.e. the bat is perfectly balanced). For exemplary bat (124 b), theCM (125 b) is located 6 inches (128) from the bat's GC. For exemplarybat (124 a), the sweet spot zone center (126 a) is located a distance(127 a) from the barrel end (22) of the bat. For exemplary bat (124 b),the sweet spot zone center (126 b) is located a distance (127 b) fromthe barrel end (22) of the bat. Notably, length (127 a) is longer thanlength (127 b) which in turn means that the sweet spot zone center (126a) of bat (124 a) is located at a point of lower bat speed compared tothe sweet spot zone center (126 b) of bat (124 b).

[0097] It will be appreciated that bat (124 a) would be perfectlybalanced, however, such bat's sweet spot zone center (126 a) is locatedfurther from barrel end (22) than is the sweet spot zone center (126 b)of bat (124 b). Similarly, bat (124 b) is not perfectly balanced,however, bat (124 b) has a sweet spot zone center (126 b) located closerto the barrel end (22) compared to bat (124 a). Thus, while bat (124 a)may be easier to control (swing) than bat (124 b), a ball hit at thesweet spot zone center (126 a) of bat (124 a) would have a lower hitball speed than a ball hit at the sweet spot zone center (126 b) of bat(124 b).

[0098] Conventional prior art solid wood bat designs afford littleopportunity to vary the location of a bat's CM without altering theshape of the bat as the length/weight properties of conventional priorart solid wood bats are coupled. Such bats are often givenspecifications such as “L-3”, where such a specification refers to thebat's length to weight ratio.” For example, a 31 inch L-3 bat wouldweigh 28 ounces (31-3=28).

[0099] In contrast, using the disclosed technology to engineer thelocation of a bat's sweet spot zone, a variety of bats can bemanufactured giving a batter a choice as to which bat attributes aremore important based on such batter's anticipated swing and thepitcher's anticipated pitch. The disclosed technology decouples a bat'slength/weight properties, thereby allowing the bat's CM to be positionedat various locations along the bat. Indeed, for bats constructedaccording to the disclosed technology, two bats complying with a “L-3”rating could have the same shape and have the same overall weight buthave substantially different weight distributions (with different CMlocations). To more fully characterize the weight distribution of thebat constructed according to the disclosed technology, a modified batrating system may be required. One possible rating system would be“L-3-X” where x describes the location of the bat's CM from the bat'sgeometric center. For example, an exemplary 32 inch bat having a ratingof “L−3+5” rating would weigh 29 ounces and have a CM located at 5inches from the bat's geometric center or 11 inches from the barrel endof the bat.

[0100] Referring again to FIG. 10, by strategically selecting thecellulosic material making up the laminated blocks (138-154) oflaminated blank (130), the CM of the bat can be positioned at differentlocations along the bat. For example, if one wishes to have a CM locatedas close as possible to the bat's barrel end, laminated blocks (140),(144) and (154) would be comprised of high density (heavy) cellulosicmaterial relative to laminated blocks (138, 142, 146-152).Alternatively, one could select cellulosic material for laminated blocks(138-154) so as to create a bat having a CM located as close as possibleto such bat's geometric center.

[0101] In addition to strategically selecting the cellulosic materialmaking up the various bat portions, one can change the weightdistribution by varying the shape of the bat. Such is accomplished by(1) varying the taper from the bat's barrel to the bats handle, (2)varying the diameter of the bat's handle, and (3) varying the shape ofthe bat's barrel. It is well known to those of ordinary skill in the artthat when a batter hits a baseball, the contact time between thebaseball and the baseball bat is typically around 1 millisecond({fraction (1/1000)} of a second). Thus, during the moment of ball/batcontact, the batter's hands and the bat handle (16) barely move.Therefore, at the moment of energy transfer from the baseball bat to thebaseball, a batter's grip, the size and shape of the bat handle (16),and other parameters far from the ball/bat impact point all have arelatively negligible effect on the dynamics of the ball/bat collision.Consequently, for the presently preferred embodiment of disclosedtechnology, the bat handle (16) is shaped to provide a comfortable grip,and the bat (10) label section (20) is shaped as required by the batteror as necessary to optimize other desired bat properties.

[0102] While the present subject matter has been described in detailwith respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understand of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

1. A solid laminated ball bat having a predetermined exterior outline,comprising: an elongated body disposed about a longitudinally extendingaxis, said body having an outer surface defined by the exterior outlineof the bat, said body including a handle on one end and a barrel on theopposite end, said body including a label section connected between saidhandle and said barrel; said bat including in at least one of saidhandle, said barrel and said label section, at least a first pluralityof thin strips, each thin strip defining a pair of opposed faces, eachsaid face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane beingsubstantially parallel to the other, each said strip further defining aperipheral edge connecting said opposed faces and defining a firstsection of the exterior outline of the bat, at least one face of one ofsaid strips being bonded to a face of an adjacently disposed strip suchthat the peripheral edges of said pair of adjacently disposed and bondedstrips form a section of the uninterrupted exterior outline of the bat,said first plurality of bonded together strips defining a first portionof the bat; said bat further including in at least one of said handle,said barrel and said label section, at least a second plurality of thinstrips, each thin strip defining a pair of opposed faces, each said facedefining a substantially flat plane, each said plane being substantiallyparallel to the other, each said strip further defining a peripheraledge connecting said opposed faces and defining a second section of theexterior outline of the bat, at least one face of one of said stripsbeing bonded to a face of an adjacently disposed strip such that theperipheral edges of said pair of adjacently disposed and bonded stripsform a second section of the uninterrupted exterior outline of the bat,said second plurality of bonded together strips defining a secondportion of the bat; wherein at least one thin strip of said firstplurality of thin strips is composed of a first material; wherein atleast one thin strip of said second plurality of thin strips is composedof a second material; and wherein the density of the first portion ofthe bat differs from the density of the second portion of the bat.
 2. Asolid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein the density of saidfirst portion of the bat is substantially uniform and wherein thedensity of said second portion of the bat is substantially uniform.
 3. Asolid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein said bat is a baseballbat.
 4. A solid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein said first andsecond portions are disposed adjacent to one another.
 5. A solidlaminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein first and second portions aredisposed apart from each other.
 6. A solid laminated ball bat as inclaim 1, wherein each of said first plurality of thin strips has athickness defined as the shortest distance between said opposed facesand wherein said thickness is between about 0.00787 inches to about0.375 inches.
 7. A solid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein eachof said second plurality of thin strips has a thickness defined as theshortest distance between said opposed faces and wherein said thicknessis between about 0.00787 inches to about 0.375 inches.
 8. A solidlaminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein each of said opposed faces arebonded together by one of an urea resin formulated with a powderedcatalyst and a type 1 waterproof glue formulated with a powderedcatalyst.
 9. A solid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, furthercomprising a sealant applied over said outer surface of the bat.
 10. Asolid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, further comprising a catalyzedlacquer protectant applied over said outer surface of the bat.
 11. Asolid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein said first plurality ofthin strips and said second plurality of thin strips are composed of acellulosic material, such cellulosic material being selected from thegroup consisting of: maple, mahogany, ash, cherry, poplar, gum, tupeloand pine.
 12. A solid laminated ball bat as in claim 1, wherein saidfirst plurality of thin strips and said second plurality of thin stripsare composed of a composite material.
 13. A laminated ball bat having apredetermined exterior outline, comprising: an elongated bodysymmetrically disposed about a longitudinally extending axis, said bodyhaving an outer surface defined by the exterior outline of the bat, saidbody including a handle on one end and a barrel on the opposite end,said body including a label section connected between said handle andsaid barrel, said barrel having a free end disposed opposite where saidbarrel is connected to said label section, said handle having a free enddisposed opposite where said handle is connected to said label section,said body defining a mid plane disposed transversely relative to saidlongitudinal axis and midway between said free end of said barrel andsaid free end of said handle; said bat including a first plurality ofthin strips, each said thin strip defining a pair of opposed faces, eachsaid face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane beingsubstantially parallel to the other plane, each said thin strip furtherdefining a peripheral edge connecting said opposed faces and defining asection of the exterior outline of the bat, at least one face of one ofsaid thin strips being bonded to a opposed face of an adjacentlydisposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of said pair ofadjacently disposed and bonded thin strips form a first section of theuninterrupted exterior outline of the bat, said first plurality ofbonded together thin strips defining a first portion of the bat, saidfirst portion of the bat defining a first outermost face and a secondoutermost face disposed opposite said first outermost face; said batfurther including a second plurality of thin strips, each said thinstrip defining a pair of opposed faces, each said face defining asubstantially flat plane, each said plane being substantially parallelto the other plane, each said thin strip further defining a peripheraledge connecting said opposed faces and defining a section of theexterior outline of the bat, at least one face of one of said thinstrips being bonded to an opposed face of an adjacently disposed thinstrip such that the peripheral edges of said pair of adjacently disposedand bonded thin strips form a second portion of the uninterruptedexterior outline of the bat, said second plurality of bonded togetherthin strips defining a second portion of the bat, said second portion ofthe bat defining a first outermost face and a second outermost facedisposed opposite said first outermost face, said first outermost faceof said second portion of the bat being bonded to said first outermostface of said first portion of the bat; said bat further including athird plurality of thin strips, each said thin strip defining a pair ofopposed faces, each said face defining a substantially flat plane, eachsaid plane being substantially parallel to the other plane, each saidthin strip further defining a peripheral edge connecting said opposedfaces and defining a section of the exterior outline of the bat, atleast one face of one of said thin strips being bonded to a face of anadjacently disposed thin strip such that the peripheral edges of saidpair of adjacently disposed and bonded thin strips form a third sectionof the uninterrupted exterior outline of the bat, said third pluralityof bonded together strips defining a third portion of the bat, saidthird portion of the bat defining a first outermost face and a secondoutermost face disposed opposite said first outermost face, said secondoutermost face of said third portion of the bat being bonded to saidsecond outermost face of said first portion of the bat; and wherein thedensity of the first portion of the bat differs from the density of thesecond portion of the bat.
 14. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13,wherein said first portion has a substantially uniform density, saidsecond portion has a substantially uniform density and said thirdportion has a substantially uniform density.
 15. A laminated ball bat asin claim 13, wherein the density of said first portion of the batdiffers for the density of said third portion of the bat.
 16. Alaminated ball bat as in claim 13, wherein said first, second and thirdportions of the bat are disposed adjacent to one another.
 17. Alaminated ball bat as in claim 13, wherein said first, second and thirdportions of the bat are disposed apart from each other.
 18. A laminatedball bat as in claim 13, wherein each of said first plurality of thinstrips has a thickness defined as the shortest distance between saidopposed faces and wherein said thickness is between about 0.00787 inchesto about 0.375 inches.
 19. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13, whereineach of said second plurality of thin strips has a thickness defined asthe shortest distance between said opposed faces and wherein saidthickness is between about 0.00787 inches to about 0.375 inches.
 20. Alaminated ball bat as in claim 13, wherein each of said third pluralityof thin strips has a thickness defined as the shortest distance betweensaid opposed faces and wherein said thickness is between about 0.00787inches to about 0.375 inches.
 21. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13,wherein each of said opposed faces are bonded together by one of an urearesin formulated with a powdered catalyst and a type 1 waterproof glueformulated with a powdered catalyst.
 22. A laminated ball bat as inclaim 13, further comprising a sealant applied over said outer surfaceof the bat.
 23. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13, further comprisinga catalyzed lacquer protectant applied over said outer surface of thebat.
 24. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13, wherein each of said firstplurality of thin strips is composed of a cellulosic material selectedfrom the group consisting of: maple, mahogany, ash, cherry, poplar, gum,tupelo and pine.
 25. A laminated ball bat as in claim 13, wherein eachof said first plurality of thin strips, said second plurality of thinstrips and said third plurality of thin strips are composed of acomposite material.
 26. A method of making a laminated ball bat, saidmethod comprising the steps of: providing a first laminated block, saidfirst laminated block comprising a plurality of successively adjacentthin strips wherein adjacent thin strips are bonded together by abonding agent; providing a second laminated block, said second laminatedblock comprising a plurality of successively adjacent thin stripswherein adjacent thin strips are bonded together by a bonding agentwherein the density of said second laminated block differs from thedensity of said first laminated block; bonding said first laminatedblock to said second laminated block to form a laminated blank;subjecting said laminated blank to a pressure in a range of about 100pounds per square inch to about 250 pounds per square inch; maintainingsaid laminated bland under pressure in said range until said laminatedblank has cured thereby forming a cured laminated blank; and machiningsaid cured laminated blank to form an elongated body disposed about alongitudinally extending axis, said body having an outer surface definedby the exterior outline of a bat, said body including a handle on oneend and a barrel on the opposite end, said body including a labelsection connected between said handle and said barrel.
 27. A method ofmaking a laminated ball bat according to claim 26, further comprisingthe step of heating said laminated blank with radio frequency wavesduring the step of subjecting said laminated blank to pressure.
 28. Amethod of making a laminated ball bat according to claim 26, whereinsaid successively adjacent thin strips are composed of veneer stripshaving a thickness of between about 0.00787 inches to about 0.375inches.
 29. A method of making a laminated ball bat according to claim26, wherein said bonding agent is one of a liquid urea resin formulatedwith a powdered catalyst and a type 1 waterproof glue formulated with apowdered catalyst.
 30. A method of making a laminated ball bat accordingto claim 26, further comprising the step of applying a sealer to saidmachined laminated bat thereby creating a sealed bat.
 31. A method ofmaking a laminated ball bat according to claim 26, further comprisingthe step of sanding said sealed bat to remove any rough areas from thesurface of such sealed bat and applying a coat of catalyzed lacquer tosaid sanded surface.